State Senator Dale Fowler | Illinois State Senator
State Senator Dale Fowler | Illinois State Senator
Concerns have risen over potential exposures to dangerous substances in Illinois prisons. Recent reports indicate that prison staff and inmates have fallen ill and required medical treatment, with a common factor being mail sent to inmates possibly containing papers soaked with drugs or harmful substances.
Following an incident at Menard Correctional Center, Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) officials confirmed preliminary tests showed paper samples tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids. Additionally, multiple individuals from Shawnee Correctional Center received medical treatment recently, with hazmat crews present at the facility on September 20th and 25th, according to news reports from KFVS.
Senator Fowler expressed concern over the trend and urged the Department of Corrections to collaborate with the legislature to implement safety protocols preventing exposure to harmful substances for both staff and inmates. On September 23, Senator Fowler joined a delegation of Southern Illinois lawmakers in formally requesting that IDOC make temporary changes to mail protocol.
To read the letter requesting the suspension of mail services within IDOC facilities, click here.
Alerts Sign-up